While #SBIR is a federal grant program, each of the 11 participating federal agencies runs its #SBIR program a little differently.
The Department of Defense (#DoD), for example, has separate grants for each branch of the agency, including the Army, Airforce, Navy, and Marine Corps. This means that if you are applying for an SBIR grant, you should first find the agency that is the best fit for your organization, and carefully research the #SBIR process for that specific agency.
When an agency releases a call for proposals, it is called a solicitation. Each agency will release solicitations at different intervals throughout the fiscal year, while some may have multiple solicitations per year.
Please note, unsolicited proposals are not allowed under any agency.
Typically, #SBIR agencies will release pre-solicitation announcements, which include the various topics and due dates (a solicitation will often include many different topics). The solicitation will also include the amount awarded, the form of the award (contract or grant), and all of the rules and requirements for that solicitation.
VIP!! Each agency has different rules, so it is crucial to read the entire solicitation before starting your proposal.
Once you have begun a proposal, be sure you are checking off your list of requirements, especially government registrations! See here for information about SAM and other government registration requirements: https://www.ebhoward.com/sam-and-what-it-means-for-your-sbir/
We work with high-growth startups and organizations that support the startup and innovation ecosystem. We build highly specific non-dilutive funding menus, provide proposal preparation services, and measure outcomes of funding through evaluation. Schedule a consult call with us HERE.